TRANSTASMAN SERVICES

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 113, 6 February 1941, Page 6

TRANSTASMAN SERVICES

No one ever expected that the outbreak of war would not create difficulties, or that the Dominion, although far removed from the actual sphere of operations, would be able to escape the necessity or adjustments and readjustments. These things were inevitable. I u if sacrifices have to be made, then that they should be spread equally, and with a proper regard for the interests of the Dominion as a whole. That is the only fair and practical basis. If pressing necessities make it impossible to maintain the passenger shipping services across the Tasman then it becomes imperative to use what facilities are available to the very best advantage. There is nothing else that can be done. . , , In this respect the aim should be to meet the convenience ot tie travelling public as far as possible, and it cannot be said that Liat objective is reached by having the only transtasman passenger services, both by steamer and by aircraft, based on a northern poit. Such a course adds substantially to the cost of would-be passengeis from the south, and as the ship or ships engaged in the service also carry freight this concentration becomes a handicap to business tirnis in the southern part of the North Island and to all in the South Island No charge of parochialism could follow the reasonable request made by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce for alterations that would ensure a Tasman service to and from Wellington. It would be only equitable, and would have the strong support of South Island interests. The position is clear. If the war has made it difficult to maintain the former services, then those left must.be used so as to provide the most convenient and economic facilities possible. On those grounds, if on those alone, an arrangement that would ensure some service from both Auckland and Wellington would be fully justified.